KR20100036396A - Method and apparatus for orienting magnetic flakes - Google Patents

Abstract

Apparatus and associated methods for aligning magnetic flakes in a carrier, such as an ink solution or a paint solution, to produce an optically variable image in a high speed linear printing process are disclosed. The images can provide security features on expensive documents, such as bills. Magnetic flakes in the ink are aligned using magnets in a linear printing process. The selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can achieve various virtual optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications.

Description

Method and apparatus for orienting magnetic flakes {Method and apparatus for orienting magnetic flakes}

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to film elements and images of optically variable pigments, and more particularly to magnetic flakes during a paint process or printing process to achieve an imaginary optical effect. To align or orient.

Optically variable devices are used in a wide variety of applications as decoration and practically. Optically variable elements can be made in a variety of ways to achieve various effects. Examples of optically variable devices include holograms imprinted on credit cards and certified software materials, color change images printed on bills, and improve the surface appearance of items such as motorcycle helmets and wheel covers.

Optically variable devices may be fabricated as films or foils that are pressed, stamped, adhered, or otherwise attached to the object, and may be made using optically variable pigments. One type of optically variable pigment is commonly referred to as color-shifting pigments because the apparent color of images properly printed with such pigments changes when the viewing and / or illumination angles are tilted. . A typical example is "20" printed with a color-converting pigment in the bottom right corner of a US $ 20 bill, which serves as an anti-counterfeiting element.

Some anti-counterfeiting elements are concealed, while others are intended to attract attention. Unfortunately, some optically variable devices intended to be noted are not well known because the optically variable features of the device are not dramatic enough. For example, the color conversion of an image printed with a color conversion pigment may not be significant under uniform fluorescent ceiling light, but may be more pronounced in direct sunlight or single point illumination. Because the recipient does not know about the optically variable feature, or because the counterfeit bill is substantially similar to the true bill under certain conditions, the above points make it easier for the counterfeit to pass the counterfeit bill without the optically variable feature. It can be done.

Optically variable devices may be fabricated with magnetic pigments that are aligned in a magnetic field after applying a pigment (typically in a carrier such as an ink solution or paint solution) to a surface. However, painting with magnetic pigments was mostly used for decorative purposes. For example, the use of magnetic pigments has been described to produce painted cover wheels with decorative features that appear as three-dimensional shapes. The pattern was formed on the painted product by applying a magnetic field to the product while the paint medium was still in the liquid state. The paint medium had dispersed magnetic non-spherical particles aligned along magnetic field lines. The magnetic field had two regions. The first region contained a line of magnetic force that was arranged in the shape of the desired pattern and was oriented parallel to the surface. The second area included lines that were arranged around the pattern and were not parallel to the surface of the painted product. To form the pattern, a permanent magnet or electromagnet having a shape corresponding to the shape of the desired pattern is placed underneath the painted magnet to orient non-spherical magnetic particles dispersed in the paint in the magnetic field while the paint is still wet. . When the paint was dried, the pattern could be seen on the surface of the painted product as the light incident on the paint layer was affected differently by the oriented magnetic particles.

Likewise, the process of forming a pattern of flaky magnetic particles in a fluorescent polymer has been described. After coating the product with the composition in liquid form, a magnet with the desired shape was placed on the bottom of the substrate. Magnetic flakes dispersed in the liquid organic medium orient themselves parallel to the magnetic field lines and incline from the original flat direction. This inclination changed from the normal to the original orientation of the surface of the substrate, which included flakes substantially parallel to the surface of the article. The flatly oriented flakes reflect the incident light to the viewer, while the redirected flakes do not, providing a three dimensional pattern appearance in the coating.

While these approaches describe methods and apparatus for the formation of images, such as three dimensions, in paint layers, they are not suitable for high speed printing processes because they are substantially batch processes. It is desirable to provide an apparatus and method for high speed in-line printing and painting that redirects magnetic pigment flakes. It is also desirable to generate significantly more optically variable security features on financial documents and other products.

The present invention provides products, methods, and apparatus that relate to images with virtual optical effects. The image can be printed with a high speed continuous printing action or with a single printing action.

In one embodiment of the invention, the image is printed on a substrate. The image has a first image portion having a first plurality of magnetic flakes aligned to reflect light in a first direction, and a second plurality of magnetic flakes aligned to reflect light in a second direction, The first image portion appears brighter than the second image portion when viewed from the first viewing direction, and the first image portion appears darker than the second image portion when viewed from the second viewing direction.

In another embodiment, the image printed on the substrate has a plurality of magnetic flakes, wherein some of the plurality of magnetic flakes are contrary over an image appearing between the first and second proximity fields. Aligned in an arc-shaped pattern with respect to the surface of the substrate to make a contrasting bar, the contrasting bar appears to move when the image is tilted with respect to the viewing angle.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for orienting a magnetic pigment in a fluid carrier printed on a first side of a substrate in a linear printing process includes a magnet disposed proximate to the second side of the substrate. The magnet generates an image of the selected magnetic field by orienting the magnetic pigment.

In another embodiment, an apparatus for printing a virtual image called a cloud bar has a north side, a south pole side, and a magnet having a top edge, the top edge extending along the direction of transport of the substrate, the north side and the south pole The magnetic axis between the faces is transverse to the conveying direction of the substrate and the terminal edge has a chamfered upper edge.

In another embodiment, a method for forming an image on a substrate includes printing a film of magnetic flakes dispersed in a fluid carrier on the substrate, moving the substrate relative to the magnet to selectively orient the magnetic pigment to form an image. And fixing the image.

Images formed by the method of the present invention may provide security features on expensive documents such as banknotes. The selected orientation of the magnetic pigment flakes can also achieve various virtual optical effects that are useful for decorative or security applications.

1A is a simplified cross-sectional view of a print image to be referred to as "flip-flop".
FIG. 1B shows, in schematic plan view, a printed image on paper at a first selective viewing angle.
1C is a simplified plan view of the printed image at a second selected viewing angle, obtained by tilting the image with respect to the viewing point.
2A is a simplified cross-sectional view of a printed image to be referred to as a "rolling bar" for purposes of explanation, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
2B is a simplified plan view of an image of a cloud bar at a first selected viewing angle.
2C is a simplified plan view of the cloud bar at a second selected viewing angle.
3A is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus for generating a flip-flop type image.
3B is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus for generating a flip-flop type image.
FIG. 3C shows the calculated magnitude of the field strength across the device of FIG. 3B.
4 is a simplified schematic diagram of a magnetic assembly that may be installed in an in-line printing or painting equipment.
5A is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus for manufacturing flip-flop types with sharper transitions, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
5B is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus for generating an image according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5C is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 5B, illustrating the orientation of the flakes in the magnetic device.
FIG. 5D is a graph showing the calculated magnitude of the magnetic field strength for the device of FIGS. 5B and 5C.
6 is a simplified schematic diagram of a magnetic assembly that may be installed in an in-line printing or painting apparatus.
FIG. 7A is a simplified cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention for forming a semi-circular orientation of flakes in paint or ink for cloud bar type images.
7b is a simplified perspective view of the device according to FIG. 7a.
7C is a simplified side view of an apparatus for forming a cloud bar image in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention.
8 is a simplified schematic diagram of an apparatus for printing a cloud bar image according to an embodiment of the present invention that may be installed in an in-line printing or painting apparatus.
9A is a simplified cross-sectional view of other optical effects that can be achieved using self alignment technology in a high speed printing process.
9B is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention capable of generating the image shown in FIG. 9A.
9C is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9D is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
9E shows the calculated magnetic field intensities for the associated five magnetic devices.
10A is a simplified side view of an apparatus for printing a virtual image inclining magnetic flakes in a selected direction according to another embodiment of the present invention.
10B is a simplified side view of an apparatus for printing a virtual image having an auxiliary magnet according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10C is a simplified diagram illustrating magnetic field strength for the device of FIGS. 10A and 10B.
11A is a simplified side view of an apparatus for aligning magnetic pigment flakes with respect to the plane of a substrate after printing.
11B is a simplified side view of a portion of an apparatus for improving the visual quality of an image printed with magnetically aligned flakes.
12A is a simplified side schematic view of a cloud printing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12B is a simplified side schematic view of a cloud printing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention.
12C is a simplified perspective view of a rolling drum with a magnetic assembly according to the apparatus shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B.
12D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of a rolling drum having a magnetically patterned surface, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
12E is a simplified side view of a magnetic assembly for printing a virtual three dimensional image in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
12F is a simplified side view of a magnet for printing a virtual three-dimensional image according to another embodiment of the present invention.
13A is a simplified flowchart for a method of printing an image in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
13B is a simplified flowchart for a method of printing an image according to another embodiment of the present invention.

The present invention, in its various embodiments, solves the problem of certain orientations of magnetic flakes of optically variable inks during the high speed printing process. Normally, particles of optically variable pigments dispersed in liquid paint or ink solution orient themselves entirely parallel to the surface when printed or painted onto the surface. The orientation parallel to the surface provides a high reflectance of incident light from the coated surface. Magnetic flakes can be tilted while in the liquid medium by applying a magnetic field. The slices are globally aligned in such a way that the longest diagonal of the slices follows the line of the magnetic field. Depending on the position and strength of the magnet, the lines of the magnetic field penetrate the substrate at different angles, causing the magnetic flakes to be inclined at those angles. Inclined flakes reflect incident light unlike flakes parallel to the surface of a printed board. Both reflectance and color tone can be different tilt angles. Inclined flakes typically look dark and have a different color than flakes parallel to the surface at normal viewing angles.

Orienting magnetic flakes in a printed image presents several problems. Many modern printing processes are faster than batch-type processes, which hold the magnet in place while the paint and ink are drying and apply it to a static (non-moving) coating product. The magnet is to be applied. In some printing processes, the paper substrate moves at a speed of 100 to 160 mm per minute. Sheets of paper are stacked after one printing operation and fed to another. The inks used in such operations typically dry out within milliseconds. Conventional procedures were not suitable for such applications.

It has been found that one way of obtaining enhanced optical effects in a paint / printed image is to orient magnetic flakes perpendicular to the direction of the moving substrate. That is, the painted or printed liquid paint or ink medium with the flakes dispersed on the substrate moves perpendicular to the magnetic lines of the magnetic field causing reorientation of the flakes. This type of orientation can provide a significant virtual optical effect in the printed image. One type of optical effect will be referred to as kinematic optical effect for purposes of explanation. The hypothetical kinematic optical effect provides an overview of the motion in the printed image as the image takes a stationary illumination source and tilts with respect to the viewing angle. Another type of imaginary optical effect is to transform the appearance of the printed field as it alternates between light and dark colors when the image is tilted back and forth.

II. Examples of printed virtual images

1A is a simplified cross-sectional view of a printed image 20 to be referred to as a "switch" optical effect or "flip-flop", for illustrative purposes, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The flip-flop has a first print portion 22 and a second print portion 24 separated by a converter 25. The pigment flakes 26 surrounded by a carrier 28 such as an ink solution or a paint solution were aligned parallel to the first plane in the first portion, and the pigment flakes 26 'in the second portion were in the second plane. Aligned in parallel. The flakes are shown by short lines in the cross section. The flakes are magnetic flakes, ie pigment flakes that can be aligned using a magnetic field. They may or may not retain residual magnetization. While all the flakes in each portion are not exactly parallel to each other or to the individual planes of alignment, the overall effect is substantially as shown. The drawings are not to scale. A typical lamella may be a transverse length of about 20 microns and about 1 micron thick, so the figures are exemplary only. The image is printed or painted on paper, plastic film, laminate, card cardboard, or other surface. For convenience of explanation, “printing” will be used to describe the application of the pigment in the carrier to the surface as a whole, which may include other techniques, including techniques that others may refer to as “painting”.

In general, flakes that appear perpendicular to the plane of the flakes appear bright, while flakes that appear along the edge of the plane appear dark. For example, light from the illumination source 30 is reflected from the flakes in the first region with respect to the viewer 32. If the image is inclined in the direction indicated by the arrow 34, the flakes in the first area 22 will be visible while the light will be reflected from the flakes in the second area 24. Thus, at the first viewing position the first region will look bright and the second region will look dark, whereas at the second viewing position the shield is flip-flop so that the first region is dark and the second region is dark. This will be brighter. This gives a very impressive visual effect. Likewise, if the pigment flakes are color converted, one part may appear to be the first color and the other part may appear to be another color.

Carriers are typically clear or tinted and transparent, and the flakes are typically completely reflective. For example, the carrier may be colored green and the flakes may have a metal layer, such as a thin film of aluminum, gold, nickel, platinum, or a metal alloy, or may be a metal flake such as nickel or alloy flakes. Light reflected from the metal layer through the green tint carrier may appear bright green, while other portions with visible flakes may appear dark green or other colors. If the flakes are only metallic flakes in a clear carrier, some of the image may appear bright metallic, while others appear dark. Alternatively, the metal flakes may be coated with a layer of tint, or the flakes may comprise an optical interference structure, such as a Fabry-Perot type structure of the absorber-spacer-reflector.

FIG. 1B is a simplified plan view of the printed image 20 on the substrate 29, which may be a document such as a banknote or securities viewed from a first selected viewing angle. Since the virtual image is not photocopyable and cannot be produced using conventional printing techniques, the printed image can serve as a security and / or authentication feature. The first part 22 appears bright and the second part 24 appears dark. Cut line 40 indicates the cross section shown in FIG. 1A. The transition 25 between the first part and the second part is relatively sharp. The document may be a bill, securities, or other expensive printed article, for example.

1C is a simplified plan view of the printed image 20 on the substrate 29 at a second selected viewing angle, obtained by tilting the image with respect to the viewing point. The first portion 22 now looks dark while the second portion 24 looks bright. The angle of inclination at which the image is flip-flop depends on the angle between the alignment planes of the flakes in different parts of the image. In one sample, the light flipped from light to dark when tilted through about 15 degrees.

2A is a simplified cross-sectional view of a printed image 42 of a kinematic optics device to be referred to as a "cloud bar" for illustrative purposes, in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The image has a pigment flake 26 surrounded by a transparent carrier 28 printed on a substrate 29. Pigment flakes are aligned in a curved manner. As with flip-flops, the areas of the cloud bar that reflect light from the sides of the pigment flakes to the viewer appear brighter than areas that do not reflect light directly to the viewer. When the image is tilted with respect to the viewing angle (assuming a fixed light source), the image provides a light band or bar (s) that appear to be moving ("rolling") across the image. .

2B is a simplified plan view of the image 42 of the cloud bar at the first selected viewing angle. The bright bar 44 appears in the first position in the image between the two contrasting feeds 46, 48. 2C is a simplified plan view of a cloud bar image at a second selected viewing angle. The bright bar 44 'appears to have "moved" to the second position in the image, and the contrasting sizes of the 46' and 48 'contrasts have changed. The alignment of the pigment flakes creates an illusion of a bar that "rolls" under the image when the image is tilted (at a fixed viewing angle and fixed illumination). Slanting the image in the other direction causes the bar to appear to roll (up) in the opposite direction.

The bar may appear to have a depth even if it is printed on a plane. The virtual depth may appear much larger than the physical thickness of the printed image. Inclining the flakes in the selected pattern reflects light to provide an imaginary of depth, or to provide the "3D" commonly referred to. The three-dimensional effect is that which can be obtained by placing the shaped magnet behind paper or other substrate with the magnetic pigment flakes printed on the substrate in the fluid carrier. The flakes are aligned along the lines of the magnetic field to generate a 3D image after anchoring the carrier (eg after drying or curing). Images often appear to move when tilted, so kinematic 3D images can be formed.

Flip-flops and cloud bars can be printed with magnetic pigment flakes, ie flakes that can be aligned using a magnetic field. The printed flip-flop type image provides an optically variable device with two separate feeds that can be obtained in a single printing step and using a single ink composition. The cloud bar type image provides an optically variable device, which contrasts bands that appear to move similarly to semi-precious stones known as the Tiger'eye when the image is tilted. band). These printed images are very prominent and the virtual faces are not photocopied. Such images can be applied to banknotes, securities, software documents, security seals, and similar objects as authentication and / or anti-counterfeiting elements. These are particularly desirable for large volume printed documents such as banknotes, packages and labels since they can be printed in a high speed printing operation, as described in section III below.

III. Exemplary Manufacturing Apparatus

3A is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of apparatus 50 for generating a flip-flop type image. The flakes 26 are arranged in a V-shaped fashion, in which both branches of V indicate the direction of the inclination and the vertices indicate the transition point. Such orientation of the flakes is possible when the two magnetic fields are opposite each other. The two magnets 52, 54 are arranged in opposite polarities (in this case the north-north pole). For modeling purposes, the magnets were assumed to be 40 MOe of 2 "W x 1.5" H NdFeB magnets spaced 0.125 inches between the north poles. The type of magnet (material and strength) is selected according to the material of the flake, the viscosity of the paint solution, and the substrate translation rate. In many cases, neodymium-boron-iron, samarium-cobalt, and / or ALNICO magnets can be used. The optimal distance between the magnets is important for creating uniformity of optical effects for a particular printed image size.

Image 56 is printed on a thin printing or painting substrate 58, such as a sheet of paper, plastic, film or card stock, in a previous printing step, which is not shown in the figure. In normal operation, several images are printed on a substrate, which is subsequently cut into individual documents, such as printing a sheet of banknotes cut into cash. The carrier 28 is still wet or at least sufficiently fluid so that the magnetic flakes can be aligned with the magnets. The carrier typically cures immediately after alignment to allow for handling of the printed substrate without fouling the image. The magnetic flakes 26 are inclined along the direction of the magnetic force line 60.

FIG. 3B is a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of an apparatus for generating flip-flop type images, wherein the magnets 52, 54 are made of a base made from a metal alloy with high magnetic permeability, such as SUPERMALLOY. 62). If the magnets are attached to the base it is easy to fabricate an assembly of several magnets, the base providing a path to the magnetic field on the opposite side of the magnet and changing the lines of the magnetic field on the printing side of the assembly. The magnetic base acts as a shunt to the magnetic field and reduces the magnetic field behind the assembly (“below”), thereby protecting the object close to the rear from high magnetic and magnetic forces. The magnetic base also holds the magnets in place without screws, bolts, welds or the like. The magnetic field is circulated inside the base 62 to provide uniformity of the magnetic field between the magnets. The magnetic field is the strongest at and above the gap between the magnets.

3C shows the calculated magnitude of the magnetic field strength across the device of FIG. 3B. The intensity is low near the edge of the magnet and becomes very large in the middle, providing a sharp transition between the flakes in adjacent portions of the image.

4 is a simplified schematic diagram of a magnetic assembly 64 that may be installed in an in-line printing or paint apparatus. Similar to those shown in FIG. 3B, permanent magnets 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76 with north and south poles, denoted "N" and "S", respectively, are attached to the base 62 by magnetic force. . The magnet may be a magnetic bar or may be fragmented. That is, a row of magnets may be used, for example 74,76 and the like. Plastic spacers (not shown in the figures) can be inserted between the magnets to prevent their collisions and provide safety. The assembly is wrapped in a case 78 with a cover 80. The case and cover may be aluminum, for example, or may be other nonmagnetic materials.

The plastic or paper substrate 29 (eg, square or other shape) with the printed feed 20 is assembled in the direction of the arrow 82 in such a way that the intersection of the lines of the magnetic field goes through the printed feed. Move at high speed over the top of the It is possible to align the substrate with respect to the magnetic assembly such that the intersection of the lines of the magnetic field passes through the center of the feed. Alternatively, the center between the magnets can be offset from the center of the printed feed. Likewise, the substrate may be a continuous roll rather than sequential sheets. In many cases, several sets of images are printed on a sheet and the sheet is cut into individual documents such as bills after printing is complete.

After the inclination of the flakes, the image 20 has a virtual optical effect. Dryers for water or solvent based paints or inks (not shown), or UV light sources for photopolymers may be used to dry the ink or paint solution and to fix the re-oriented flakes in their aligned positions. Follow the magnetic assembly briefly). It is generally desirable to avoid magnetized flakes prior to application as the flakes being magnetized can agglomerate together. Pigments with a layer of PERMALLOY or nickel that are about 100 to 150 nm thick have been found to be suitable.

FIG. 5A is a simplified cross section of an apparatus for generating a flip-flop type image with sharp transformations, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. Two NdFeB magnets 84 (each typical as 2 "W x 1.5" H) are disposed on the magnetic base 62 so that their north pole is "upward". The distance between the magnets is about 1 inch. A blade 88 made of a highly permeable metal or metal alloy, such as SUPERMALLOY, is attached to the base between the magnets. The point of attack of the tip 90 of the blade is in the range of about 5 degrees to about 150 degrees. The blades reshape the lines of the magnetic field, pulling them close and making the tip as the point from which the lines of the magnetic field originate.

5B is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus for generating an image according to another embodiment of the present invention. A shaped SUPERMALLOY cap 92 is disposed on top of the magnet 84 to bend the lines of the magnetic field as shown. The cap bends the magnetic field, bringing the magnetic field closer to the tip, which sharpens the transition of the V-shaped lines.

FIG. 5C is a simplified cross sectional view of a portion of the device shown in FIG. 5B, illustrating the orientation of the flakes in such a magnetic device. The substrate 29 is disposed above the top of the device and slides in the direction from the viewer into the page along the cap 90 (or along the magnet in the case of FIG. 5A). The printed image 85 is positioned above the tip. The flakes 26 follow the magnetic line 94 and are inclined accordingly. This scene more clearly shows the pointed feature of the tip of the blade, which results in a sharp transition between the two regions of the virtual image.

FIG. 5D is a graph showing the calculated magnitude of the magnetic field strength for the device of FIGS. 5B and 5C. The magnetic field strength is narrower than the diagram of the magnetic field strength of FIG. 3C, and produces a sharp conversion portion.

6 is a simplified schematic diagram of a magnetic assembly 100 that may be installed in an in-line printing or painting apparatus. Permanent magnets 84 having north and south poles as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are mounted on the magnetic base 62. In contrast, Antarctica may face the stomach. The cap plate 92 is magnetically attached to the top of the magnet. The blades 88 are mounted to the base with their edges extending along the translational direction 82 of the substrates 29, 29 ′. The in-line magnets 84 may be installed next to each other or with a gap 102 therebetween. The magnetic assembly is typically enclosed in a case 78 with a cover plate 80.

The print 104 'printed on the substrate 29 has flakes that are not oriented as a whole. Some alignment of the flakes may occur as a product of the printing process and as a whole some flakes tend to align in the plane of the substrate. When the substrate moves at high speed over the magnetic assembly in the direction indicated by arrow 82, the flakes change their orientation along the lines of the magnetic field to form a virtual image 104 (flip-flop). The image has two regions where the reflected light is in different directions and a relatively sharp boundary (transformer) therebetween.

7A is a simplified cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the present invention for forming semicircular orientation of flakes in ink or paint for a cloud-bar type image. The thin permanent magnet 106 is magnetized through its thin portion as shown. The magnet has a circular magnetic force line 108 at its ends. Substrate 29 with printed magnetic flakes dispersed in the fluid carrier moves from the viewer into the paper along the magnet. The flakes 26 are inclined along the direction of the magnetic force line 108 and form a semicircular pattern on the magnet.

7b is a simplified perspective view of the device according to FIG. 7a. The substrate 29 moves across the magnet 106 in the direction of the arrow. Image 110 forms a feature 114 of the cloud bar, which will appear to move up and down when the image is tilted or the viewing angle is translated. The flakes 26 are shown to be inclined with respect to the line of the magnetic field. The image is typically very thin and the flakes do not form a lump as shown, but produce a cloud bar effect by providing the desired arc-shaped reflective properties as a whole aligned along the lines of the magnetic field. In one example, the bar appeared to roll up and down the image when tilted through an angle of about 25 degrees.

It has been found that the strength of the rolling bar effect can be improved by chamfering 116 the terminal edge 118 of the magnet. This is believed to gradually reduce the magnetic field when the image processes the magnet. Alternatively, the magnetic transducers, which occur at the sharp edges of the magnet, can rearrange the flake's orientation and degrade the visual effect of the rolling bar. In certain embodiments, the corners of the magnets are chamfered at an angle of 30 degrees from the plane of the substrate. An alternative is to fix the flakes before they pass over the terminal edge of the magnet. This can be done, for example, by providing a UV source portion for the UV curable carrier under running of the magnet, or by providing a dry source for the evaporative carrier.

7C is a simplified side view of another apparatus 120 for forming a cloud bar image according to another embodiment of the present invention. The rolling bar effect is obtained using two magnets 122. Magnetic pigment flakes 26 orient themselves along an elliptical magnetic field line within the carrier 28 of the liquid.

8 is a simplified schematic diagram of an apparatus 130 for printing a cloud bar image according to an embodiment of the present invention that may be installed in an in-line printing or painting apparatus. Thin vertical magnets 106 with polar-polar polarities shown are installed in the housing 132 of plastic, which housings the magnets at a distance selected according to the position of the printed feeds on the substrate 29 as a whole. Isolate. The magnets are arranged in a manner opposite to each other. That is, the north pole of one row of magnets faces the north pole of adjacent rows, while the south pole faces the south pole of adjacent rows of magnets from the other side.

Compared to the magnetic device shown in FIGS. 4 and 6 with a magnet mounted and having a base made of a highly permeable alloy to concentrate the strength of the magnetic field above the tip of the blade or just in the middle of the gap, FIG. The device of 8 does not have a base of metal. The base made from metal with high magnetic permeability reduces the magnetic field strength on the side of the magnet which results in inclination of the flakes. Instead of the base, the magnets are inserted into the slit of the plastic housing in such a way that the upper part of the magnet goes below the center of the printed sheet, but can be offset from the center. The substrates 29 and 29 'move in the direction of the arrow 82 above the magnet at high speed. Passing over the magnet, the flakes in the printed images orient themselves along the lines of the magnetic field to create a virtual optical effect in the cloud bar image 110.

9A is a simplified cross section of another optical effect that can be achieved using self alignment technology with a high speed printing process. The pigment flakes 26 in the image 134 are aligned parallel to each other as a whole, but not parallel to the surface of the substrate 29. Again, it is not necessary for each flake to be perfectly aligned with each other, but the visual impression obtained is substantially as illustrated. Aligning most of the flakes in the manner shown results in an interesting optical effect. The image looks dark when viewed from one direction 136 and bright when viewed from another direction 138.

FIG. 9B is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus 139 according to an embodiment of the present invention capable of generating the image shown in FIG. 9A. The printed feed 134 with the paint or ink still wet is placed on top of the permanent magnet 140 with the position offset relative to the axis of the magnet. The magnetic field analysis was modeled assuming a 2 "x 1.5" NdFeB 40MOe magnet. The magnitude of the magnetic field strength is low at the center of the magnet and increases towards its edge.

In general, electromagnets can be used in some embodiments, but it is difficult to obtain a magnetic field high enough to be obtained with current supermagnets within the limited space of high speed printing machines. The coil of the electromagnet tends to generate heat, which can affect the curing time of the ink or paint and add other process variables. Nevertheless, electromagnets may be useful in some embodiments of the present invention.

9C is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Magnets 142, 142 'having a diamond shaped cross section are used to spread the magnetic field and widen it. The device was modeled with three 2 inch by 1.5 inch NdFeB magnets placed one inch from each other. The magnets show the cross section of the magnetic assembly for the reorientation of the flakes in the magnetic field. The substrate 29 moves at high speed in the direction from the viewer to the drawing. The two magnets face the north direction upwards, while the magnet 142 'in between faces the south pole upwards. Each magnet has the same magnetic field strength as the magnets shown in FIG. 9B, but provides a wider area for placement of the feed 134 ′ to orient the lamella 26.

9D is a simplified cross-sectional view of an apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. Effects similar to those obtained with the apparatus shown in FIG. 9C can be obtained with magnets 144, 144 'having a cross-sectional cross section as well as magnets having hexagonal, curved, trapezoidal, or other cross sections. Can be. Different shapes of the magnets provide different capabilities that can produce various images printed or painted with slanted flakes. For example, the magnitude of the magnetic field strength can be very different for magnets with different shapes (cross sections).

9E shows the calculated magnetic field strength for a five-magnet device. The first magnet 142 is a diamond-shaped NdFeB 40MOe magnet with a size close to 2 "x 1.5" facing the north pole. The second magnet 146 is a rectangular 2 "x1.5" NdFeB 40MOe magnet whose South Pole faces the substrate 29. The third magnet 148 is an NdFeB 40MOe magnet with a rounded top. These magnets face the substrate at the north pole. The fourth magnet 150 has its south pole facing up and is loop-shaped. (The angle of the tip is about 185 °). The fifth magnet 152 is also loop shaped but the tip angle is about 175 °. Curve 160 represents the calculated magnitude of the magnetic field strength in this example assembly. The shape of the magnetic field strength is different for different magnets. The magnetic field strength is low at the center of the square, diamond and loop shaped magnets, but it is nearly flat at 380,000 A / m relative to the round magnet 148. What the curve shows is that the shaping of the magnet helps to obtain a magnetic field strength that will be sufficient to provide the torque of the lamella to orient the lamella.

10A is a simplified side view of an apparatus 162 according to an embodiment of the present invention, which is suitable for tilting the flakes in the desired direction and adapting to a high speed printing process. Three 2 "x 1.5" NdFeB 40MOe magnets 164, 164 'are inclined 10 ° relative to the substrate 29 and the printed image 166. The flakes 26 follow their lines and reorient themselves. The magnets have an alignment similar to that shown in FIG. 9D. Two of the magnets 164 have the north pole facing upward and a magnet 164 ′ between them faces the substrate 29. The printed image 166 should be placed above the central axis of the magnet to utilize the lines of the inclined magnetic field generated by the inclined magnets. Such an arrangement results in a uniform tilt of the flakes at a larger area than for the magnetic assembly described with reference to FIGS. 9A-9E.

Magnetic lines in the magnetic field are not parallel. The difference is small at close proximity and increases with increasing distance between lines. This means that in a large printed image placed in a magnetic field, all the flakes have different inclinations resulting in an inconsistent appearance of the image. Inconsistency can be reduced by deflecting the magnetic lines towards the center of the magnet to keep the magnetic lines more parallel. This can be achieved with a small auxiliary magnet.

10B is a simplified side view of an apparatus 168 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention having auxiliary magnets 170, 170 ′. Inclined first magnets 172, 172 'are similarly arranged to the magnet shown in FIG. Smaller auxiliary magnets are positioned below the substrate and between the larger first magnets. The auxiliary magnets are arranged such that the north pole of the auxiliary magnet faces the north pole of the first magnet and its south pole faces the south pole of the first magnet. In such an arrangement, two magnetic fields (North-North Pole, Antarctic-South Pole) face each other, and the magnetic lines are deflected toward the center of the first magnet.

FIG. 10C is a simplified diagram showing the calculated magnetic field strength for the magnetic assemblies shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B, which are represented by curves 174 and 176. Although the auxiliary magnets are only associated with the drawing of the second curve 176, the substrate 29, the first magnets 172, 172 ′, and the auxiliary magnets 170, 170 ′ show how the drawings are related to the assembly dimensions. It is shown to represent. The first curve 174 shows how the magnitude of the magnetic field of the assembly of FIG. 10A varies in the direction from one edge to the other edge of the substrate. The curve has two minimum values 178, 180 corresponding to the centers of the first magnets 172, 172 ′. The central axis 182 'of the center magnet 172' shows where the center of the magnet coincides with the drawing of the magnetic field strength.

Having auxiliary magnets 170, 170 ′ in the assembly shifts the magnitude of the magnetic field strength to the left. The second curve 176 shows the magnitude of the magnetic field strength of the assembly according to FIG. 10B. The maximum values 184, 186 on the curve have been shifted to the left relative to the first curve 174 associated with FIG. 10A. This indicates that the opposing magnetic field on the auxiliary magnet deflects the magnetic field of the first magnet.

11A is a simplified side view of an apparatus 190 for aligning magnetic pigment flakes in a printed 192 printed in the plane of a substrate after printing. The magnets 194, 196 are arranged to generate magnetic field lines 198 that are substantially parallel to the surface of the substrate 29. In some printing processes using pigment flakes, the flakes are aligned substantially parallel to the substrate when applied (when printed), but "pulled" out of the plane, for example when the print screen is lifted. . Disassembly of these flakes tends to reduce the visual impact of printing, such as a decrease in chromaticity.

In one embodiment, magnetic color-converting pigment flakes were applied to paper cards using conventional silkscreen procedures. Although the same ink was applied to other paper cards, before the ink carrier dries, a magnet is used to reorient the flakes in the plane of the card. Differences in visual appearance, such as color intensity, were very dramatic. The measurement indicated that an improvement of 10% in chromaticity was achieved. This degree of improvement is very significant, and it is postulated that such modifications will be very difficult to achieve through modification of pigment flake manufacturing techniques, such as changes to thin film layers of substrates and flakes. It is believed that even greater improvements in chromaticity will be possible, and that a 40% improvement can be achieved if magnetic re-alignment techniques are applied to images formed using the Intaglio printing process.

11B is a simplified side view of a portion of an apparatus for improving the visual quality of an image printed with magnetically alignable flakes, according to another embodiment of the present invention. The magnets 194, 196 generate a magnetic field line 198 that is substantially parallel to the substrate 29, which causes the magnetic pigment flakes 26 in the carrier 28 of the fluid to unfold. The magnets can be spaced apart some distance to provide the desired magnetic field, and the device can be adapted to the in-line printing process.

IV. Printing by rotating magnet

12A is a simplified schematic side view of a portion of a printing apparatus 200 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The magnets 202, 204, 206, 208 are positioned inside the print roller 210 to form a pattern associated with the printed image. Substrate 212, such as a continuous sheet of paper, plastic film, or laminate, moves at high speed between printing cylinder 214 and printing roller 210. The printing cylinder takes a relatively thick layer 212 of liquid paint or ink 215 containing magnetic pigments from a source container 216. The paint or ink has a blade 218 and spreads to a desired thickness on a printing cylinder. During printing an image between the printing cylinder and the printing roller, the magnets in the printing roller orient (ie, selectively align) the magnetic pigment flakes in at least a portion of the printed image 220. Tensioner 222 is typically used to maintain the desired substrate tension as the substrate comes out of the printing roller and printing cylinder, and the image on the substrate is dried with a dryer 224. The dryer may for example be a heater, or the ink or paint may be UV cured or settled with a UV lamp.

12B is a simplified schematic side view of a portion of a paint apparatus 200 ′ in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The magnets 202 ', 204', 206 'and 208' are installed in a tensioner 222 'or other roller. The magnets orient the magnetic pigment flakes in the printed image before the fluid carrier of the ink or paint is dried or fixed. The feed 219 leaves the print roller 210 'and paint cylinder 214 together with the flakes in the unselected direction, and the wet image 220' before the flakes are secured is tension meter 222. Is oriented by the magnet 206 '. Dryer 224 speeds up or completes the drying or curing process.

12C is a simplified perspective view of a magnetic roller 232 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The roller may be a printing cylinder or tensioner as described in connection with FIGS. 12A and 12B, or is another roller in the printing system that contacts the printing substrate before the ink or paint is fixed. Magnetic assemblies 234, 236, 238, 240, 242 are attached to the roller with screws 242, which allow the magnetic assemblies to be changed without removing the roller from the printer. The magnetic assemblies may be configured to generate a flip-flop 234, 236 or cloud bar 238 image, or may be a patterned magnetic material 240, 241 that generates a patterned image on a printed substrate, or otherwise. The magnetic shape may be selected. The magnetic structures on the rollers are aligned with respect to the sheet or roll with magnetic pigment flakes to provide the desired magnetic field pattern for the printed printed on the substrate. The patterns shown represent a flat pattern along the curve of the roller circumference. Alternatively, magnetic structures can be built in the rollers, or rollers with appropriate surface materials can be magnetized in a selected pattern.

12D is a simplified perspective view of a portion of the roller 232 'with the magnetic assembly 244 embedded in the roller. The magnetic assembly has a star shaped cross section and its surface 244 'is substantially coplanar with the surface of the roller. The magnetic assembly may be a permanently magnetized material as shown in FIG. 12F, or may be made of SUPERMALLOY, MU-metal, or similar material as shown below in FIG. 12E. Can have The roller rotates in the direction of the first arrow 246 and the paper or film substrate 248 moves in the direction of the second arrow 250. Fades 252 with magnetic pigment flakes were printed on a substrate. When the roller was close to the substrate, the shield was on the surface of the star-shaped magnetic assembly, and a star-shaped virtual optical feature 254 was formed in the shield. In a preferred embodiment, the magnetic pigment flakes are fixed while the magnetic assembly is in contact with the substrate.

The hypothetical optical effect 254 is a star with an apparent depth much deeper than the physical thickness of the printed feed. It has been found that the type of carrier used with magnetic pigment flakes can affect the final result. For example, carriers based on solvents (including those based on water) tend to reduce volume when the solvent evaporates. This may cause further alignment, such as by tilting the partially inclined flakes towards the plane of the substrate. UV-curable carriers tend not to shrink, and alignment of magnetic pigment flakes after contact with the magnetic field pattern tends to be more accurately preserved. Whether it is desired to preserve the alignment or to improve the alignment by evaporation of the solvent in the carrier depends on the intended application.

12E is a simplified side view of a magnetic assembly 256 having a permanent magnet 258 that provides a magnetic field oriented to the substrate 248 by a patterned tip 260 of supermalloy or other highly permeable material. The line 262 of the modeled magnetic field is shown for illustrative purposes only. Some "supermagnet" materials are hard, brittle and generally difficult to machine into complex shapes. Supermalloy is much easier to process than, for example, NdFeB magnets, thus providing sufficient magnetic field strength to complex magnetic field patterns to align the magnetic pigment flakes in a desired pattern. The low residual magnetization of supermalloy and similar alloys makes them easy to machine.

12F is a simplified side view of magnetic assembly 264 with shaped permanent magnet 258 ′. The overall length of the magnet need not be shaped, but only for the portion of the substrate 248 that generates the desired magnetic field pattern. Although some materials commonly used to form permanent magnets are difficult to machine, simple patterns can be formed at least at the tip portion. Other materials forming the permanent magnets can be machined and provide sufficient magnetic strength to produce the desired virtual optical effect. Similarly, magnetic alloys can be cast or formed into relatively complex shapes using powder metallurgy techniques.

V. Example Methods

13A is a simplified flowchart of a method 300 for printing an image on a substrate in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The shield is printed on a thin flat substrate, such as a sheet of paper, a plastic film, or a laminate, using magnetic pigment flakes in the fluid carrier (step 302). Before the carrier is dried or anchored, the substrate is moved in a linear manner with respect to the magnet assembly (step 304) to orient the magnetic pigment flakes (step 306). After magnetically oriented magnetic pigment flakes, the image is fixed (ie dried or anchored) to obtain an optically variable image resulting from the alignment of the pigment flakes. Typically, the substrate moves past the stationary magnet assembly. In some examples, the image may have additional effects that are optically variable, such as color transform. In certain embodiments, the magnet assembly is configured to provide a flip-flop image. In another embodiment, the magnet assembly is configured to provide an image of a rolling bar. In some implementations, the thin flat substrate is a sheet printed with several images. The images on the sheet may be the same or different and different inks or paints may be used to print the image on the sheet. Similarly, different magnetic assemblies can be used to make different images on a single sheet of substrate. In other embodiments, the substrate can be a substantially continuous substrate, such as a roll of paper.

13B is a simplified flowchart of a method 310 for printing an image on a moving substrate in accordance with another embodiment of the present invention. The substrate moves past the rotating roller with the embedded magnet (step 312) to align the magnetic pigment flakes applied to the substrate in the fluid carrier (step 314). The magnetic pigment flakes are then fixed (step 316) to obtain an optically variable image resulting from the alignment of the pigment flakes. In some embodiments, the magnetic pigment flakes are aligned by a magnet in the printing roller when ink or paint is printed onto the substrate. In another embodiment, the magnetic pigment flakes are aligned by a magnet in a subsequent roller, such as a tensioner. After the flakes are aligned, the ink or paint is dried or cured to fix the image.

Various magnetic structures can be included in the roller (s), including magnetic structures for forming flip-flop or cloud bar images. Other magnetic structures, such as magnets having faces with selected shapes, are included in the rollers to provide high speed printing of optically variable images. For example, a magnet that has an annular shape on its surface (the surface of a roller) can produce the effect of a "fish eye" in a print printed with magnetic pigment flakes. The magnets in the roller (s) may be shaped, for example, with a star, a $, or a ￡. Providing the magnet on a tensioner or other rollers proximate to the dryer can avoid problems associated with the deterioration of the image in the magnetic pigment flakes when the image leaves the terminal edge of the magnet's face. In other embodiments, tangential separation of the substrate from the magnetic roller avoids deterioration of the magnetically aligned image. In other implementations, the substrate can be stationary and the magnetic roller can roll across the substrate.

Although the invention has been described above with reference to specific embodiments and the best mode of carrying out the invention, various modifications and alterations can be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, it is to be understood that the foregoing is exemplary only and that the invention is as described in the following claims.

22. First area 24. Second area
29. Substrate 30. Lighting Source
32. Observer 40. Cutting Line

Claims (13)

A method of forming an illusive image on a substrate,
(a) printing a feed of magnetic pigment flakes dispersed in a fluid carrier on a substrate;
(b) moving the substrate along the first stretched magnet or the first row of magnets, selectively orienting the magnetic pigment flakes to form a virtual image of the first stretched magnet or the first row of magnets; Moving the substrate at right angles to the magnetic line of the magnetic field caused by the magnets; And,
(c) fixing the virtual image. The method of claim 1,
The fixing of the image occurs before the virtual image moves past the first stretched magnet or magnets in the first row. The method of claim 1,
And a plurality of virtual images are printed at the same time. The method of claim 3, wherein
The plurality of virtual images comprises a first virtual image and a second virtual image, wherein the first virtual image is different from the second virtual image. The method of claim 1,
The virtual image is a virtual three-dimensional image having an apparent depth greater than the image thickness. The method of claim 1,
In step (b) the magnetic pigment flakes in the carrier are selectively oriented to form a rolling bar or flip-flop image. The method of claim 1,
The virtual image is one of a plurality of virtual images printed on a substrate, the virtual image forming method further comprising cutting the substrate into individual documents. The method of claim 1,
And the substrate moves at a speed of 100 to 160 meters per minute. The method of claim 1,
And a plurality of imaginary images are printed sequentially on the same substrate. The method of claim 9,
The imaginary images are flip-flop images printed on the substrate in a linear printing process, and in step (b) the magnetic pigment flakes are formed in a second extension along the direction of movement of the substrate attached to the base. Elongated magnets or magnets in a second row; And a blade disposed between the first elongated magnet or the first row of magnets and the second elongated magnet or the second row of magnets; The blade also extends along the direction of movement of the substrate. The method of claim 9,
The imaginary images are rolling bar images printed on the substrate in a linear printing process, the first elongated magnet or the first row of magnets having the north side, the south side, and the upper edge, and the upper edge Wherein the magnetic axis between the north side and the south side is transverse to the direction of movement of the substrate and the terminal edge has a chamfered upper edge. The method of claim 11,
In step (b) the magnetic pigment flakes are substantially the same as the first elongated magnet or the first row of magnets and a second elongated magnet having a second north side, a second south side, a second upper edge or A first elongation, oriented with magnets in a second row, with the north side facing the second north side or the south side facing the second south side, and the upper edge lying in plane with the second upper edge And a magnet of the first row or the magnets of the first row and a magnet of the second elongated or second row are disposed in the non-magnetic housing. As a method of forming a virtual image on a substrate,
(a) printing a shield of magnetic pigment flakes dispersed in a fluid carrier on a substrate;
(b) moving the substrate along a rotating element comprising a magnet to selectively orient magnetic pigment flakes to form a virtual image; And
(c) freezing the image; the virtual image forming method.

Images